Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace—Objectives, Pitfalls, and Guidelines

Abstract

This paper examines the historical development of drug testing, the motivations underlying proposals to implement workplace testing for drugs and alcohol, the types of programs currently in use, and the potential pitfalls of workplace testing. It also examines the basic principles involved in disputes about the legality of workplace testing. Finally, this paper discusses guidelines to ensure that workplace testing programs are fair and to minimize unwanted and harmful effects of testing.